Small Powder Kernels Remain in AT Glass Bowls

[DocBII]

Good day,

I'm running into a problem with very small powder kernels (N-540) remaining the AutoThrow/AutoTrickler glass bowels (I have two), on the order of 0.02-0.06 grains. These are very small particles, visible as dark spots on the glass. They don't come off when the glass is held sideways. Tapping the bowl two or three times after pouring out most of the powder will get the bowl clean enough to keep the scale zero calibrated.

Cleaned with the usual glass or surface cleaners, no residue cleaners such as acetone or brake cleaner, anti-static clothes (these required no residue cleaners), all to no avail.


Thanks,
DocBII

 

[6Creed73]

I rub down all my throwers, pans, hoppers, etc with a dryer sheet. Works like a charm. But can't speak to the autotrickler glass bowl as I don't have one.

 

[6.5 forever]

Dryer sheets help do away with static electricity. Might be a problem.

 

[Intell]

I use the dryer sheets also, then after emptying I use canned air to blow back through to the hopper for anything that may be clinging.

 

[Chris Edmondson]

Good day,

I'm running into a problem with very small powder kernels (N-540) remaining the AutoThrow/AutoTrickler glass bowels (I have two), on the order of 0.02-0.06 grains. These are very small particles, visible as dark spots on the glass. They don't come off when the glass is held sideways. Tapping the bowl two or three times after pouring out most of the powder will get the bowl clean enough to keep the scale zero calibrated.

Cleaned with the usual glass or surface cleaners, no residue cleaners such as acetone or brake cleaner, anti-static clothes (these required no residue cleaners), all to no avail.


Thanks,
DocBII

I haven't experienced static problems with the glass bowl in particular but I have had kernels stick in other places. I now use three of the mats linked below; 1 for the scale, 1 for the gunpowder cannister, and one for the laptop. These resolved the issues I was having with static, maybe worth a shot, can always return it if not.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X7VL7VR?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

[Doug Beach]

Put lotion on your hands. Weird but true.

 

[Walt Krafft]

I have more of a problem with kernals sticking in the funnel. Just automatically tap the cup on the funnel a couple of times to drop any hanger oners into the case.

 

[RegionRat]

The static versus contamination question seems to sound like if you cleaned the shot glasses with strong solvents, you are probably dealing with static charge or van der Waals forces.

If your powder is very dry, let it normalize to 50% RH.

If your workshop is very dry, you have to take steps to either raise the RH or to ground the workspace to drain charge.

Things like static mats and straps, de-ionizers, anti-static sprays, etc., are the hard way.

If at all possible, it is much better to work to get the humidity nearer to 50% in the powder and work space.

That also tends to keep your muzzle velocity under control since having your powder's water content swing up and down isn't good.

 

[Doom]

The problem is most likely associated with the acetone that is used as a solvent in powder manufacture and often can be a problem especially when a jug is first open. I had an absolute fit with some IMR Target when it first came out. It was so bad it actually came out in clumps.

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

Thanks for asking this question, always good stuff to learn here.

 

[DocBII]

Good day,

Thanks to all who replied so far. I'm experienced reloader and I'm familiar with anti-static measures from dealing with the static problem with computers and lab equipment. Room conditions run 75 summer to 67 winter, RH stays between 40-50%, both temp and RH controlled by the air handler system. I don't have a mat but the surfaces have been wiped down with fabric softener.

Could be van der Waals force, the kernels break loose after two- three taps of the glass on the table top. I cannot see anything with a magnifying glass which would cause the hang up, the kernels are not in the same positions each time, and it occurs with two different measures. Any suggestions?

I haven't tried lotion, my hands have arthritis and I apply topical fixes to the tops and sides of the hands regularly. Any recommendation for a lotion?

Thanks,
DocBII

 

[divingin]

I put a little graphite powder on a cleaning patch and rub the inside of the cup down. Seems to take care of it for both extruded rifle powder and flake pistol powder (I verify the setting of my pistol measure on the FX120i)

 

[6BRA]

static guard spray.

 

[DocBII]

divingin,

I'll give the graphite a try the next loading session.

Thanks,
DocBII